Objective: To observe the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on right ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline (MCT) in rats and explore its mechanisms. Method: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal group

the model group

the captopril group (25 mg·kg-1) and the EGCG (40 mg·kg-1) group. MCT-induced right ventricular hypertrophy model in rats was established

and the effects on right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI)

right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI)

nitric oxide (NO)

inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)

interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 of right ventricular hypertrophy myocardium tissue and right ventricular myocardial cells in rats were examined. Result: Compared with the normal group

RVHI and RVMI were significantly elevated (P<0.05)

and NO

iNOS

IL-6 and IL-1β level of right ventricular hypertrophy myocardium tissue increased (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group

RVHI and RVMI was obviously declined (P<0.05)

while levels of NO

iNOS

IL-6 and IL-1β significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the EGCG group. Conclusion: EGCG could significantly inhibit the RVH induced by MCT in rats. Its mechanisms may be related to reducing the levels of iNOS

NO

IL-1β and IL-6 in right ventricular hypertrophy myocardium tissue.